Letters: Writers support local candidates (May 24)
For John Anderson:
I was pleasantly surprised to learn that John Anderson agreed to serve four more years as sheriff of Madera County.
For those of you who may not be aware, Sheriff Anderson, at age 21, served in the Army as a Green Beret platoon sergeant assigned to Special Forces.
After leaving the Army he worked for the California Highway Patrol, retiring after 30 years as central division chief. That position required management of 13 divisions from Bakersfield to Modesto.
In his spare time he picked up his master’s degree in public administration.
From the time John was elected sheriff in 1998, he has accomplished several noteworthy goals. He was instrumental in establishing the Madera County Citizens on Patrol volunteer force, the chaplains program, recycling of used cell phones to senior citizens and shut-ins, bracelet transmitters for Alzheimer patients and a reverse 911 emergency notification system.
In a few weeks the new sheriff’s office will open in Oakhurst to better serve the citizens of the mountain area.
John Anderson has built bridges and a spirit of cooperation with other agencies at the state and federal level in pooling resources to fight the scourge of drugs and criminal activities.
Sheriff Anderson is a hard-working guy with a servant’s heart. He is definitely a keeper. Please consider supporting him with your vote June 8.
Dennis Padgett,
Oakhurst
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For John Silva:
In the spring of 2004, the Big Valley Horseshoe League requested permission from the Madera Parks and Community Services Department to establish 10 regulation horseshoe courts to be located at Rotary Park.
As league president, I contacted then county Supervisor John Silva, and he provided $25,000 from the District 4 recreation fund to be utilized in the construction of city horseshoe courts.
As a result of the initial grant from Mr. Silva, the Big Valley Horseshoe League partnered with the City of Madera in the spring of 2007 in the construction of 10 state-of-the-art horseshoe courts.
The Big Valley Horseshoe League currently has approximately 90 players pitching horseshoes in both a spring and fall league.
The horseshoe courts are certified by the National Horseshoe Pitchers Association, and are considered to be one of the best in California. The courts provide an excellent venue to Madera Citizens, during family picnics as well as establish league play. Lighting is available for night play.
I believe this excellent horseshoe pitching complex is available to Madera citizens due to the generosity of Mr. Silva. I know that he has contributed monies from his district fund to build and maintain other Madera County park projects such as the Madera Skatepark, the Millview Sports Complex, and McNally Park.
Mr. Silva is a proven supporter of Madera County’s recreational activities. As a former county supervisor, he has the experience and ability to lead Madera County in the future.
The Big Valley Horseshoe League is appreciative of Mr. Silva’s past support.
Harlen A. Rippetoe,
president of Big Valley Horseshoe League,
Madera
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For Cecilia Massetti:
I am writing today to encourage everyone to vote for Cecilia Massetti for Madera County Superintendent of Schools. Dr. Massetti has 31 years of experience in education and is currently the associate superintendent of schools.
While her credentials are impressive, it is her creative approach to problem-solving that, in my mind, really makes her prepared and ready to lead.
These are uncertain times for public education. Our school districts and our programs have had funding slashed and deferred to an extent never seen before. Cecilia Massetti has balanced million dollar budgets. She is dedicated to making sure every tax dollar is effectively used to support students, teachers and staff in the classroom. As the chief business officer of the county Office of Education, it would be easy for me to make her work in this area the focus of my support for Cecilia. However, it is her caring and compassion for our students, staff and citizens that so demonstrate Dr. Massetti’s integrity and passion and most appeal to me.
It is important that we elect the most qualified candidate. Cecilia Massetti is this person and the one I trust to do the job.
Please help me support our schools and children by voting for Cecilia Massetti on June 8 for Superintendent of Schools.
Geri Kendall Cox,
Chief business and administrative services officer,
Madera County Office of Education
